Razor Knife. I have carried one in my shirt pocket long before 9/11. Never have to sharpen it like I did the pocket knife I carried all my life previously. I doubt if there is a day goes by that I do not use it for something, if only as a toothpick.Richard

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Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, a good Reisling in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: WOO HOO, what a ride

Now granted I haven't had my bus very long,and have probably driven Dallas nuts with questions,and can really claim any rights to the art of conversion.That in mind the best tool I've added since I bought "the bus" was a refrigerator in the garage! yep, the fridge gets my vote.

I have to agree with Ross, I tell people the difference between converting this bus and the 4106 we converted in the mid 80's in one word INTERNET. When we did the 4106 without the internet or Bus Conversions magazine, information and sources of supplies was very limited. Course these tools like cordless screwdrivers, mig welders, plasma cutters, biscuit joiners, etc certainly help. Jack

My vote is for my best friend. He is a real "tool" and has come in handy to hold something, cut, weld, beat, pull, push, ignite, extinguish, pry, fabricate, site clear, encourage, discourage, bend, break and several other action verbs yet to come.

I have to say my favorite tool was a 12 dollar jig saw I bought at one of those little roadside stands (you know, the ones that sell "tools"). Anyway, I just bought it thinking it might just last for a day or two. Lo and behold, that thing worked like a charm. I still have it and have put many manhours of use on it. I had planned on buying a better one, but this little thing was awesome. It's nice to get surprised by something working like it should.

Jimmy

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"Ask yourself this question...Are you funky enough to be a globetrotter? Well are you??? ARE YOU?!?!

I have to say my favorite tool was a 12 dollar jig saw I bought at one of those little roadside stands (you know, the ones that sell "tools"). Anyway, I just bought it thinking it might just last for a day or two. Lo and behold, that thing worked like a charm. I still have it and have put many manhours of use on it. I had planned on buying a better one, but this little thing was awesome. It's nice to get surprised by something working like it should.

Jimmy

I've had the same experience with 4" grinders. The $29.00 ones seem to outlast the $100.00 ones.

I just have to comment about the Internet tool and MAK. When I subscribed to Bus Conversion many years ago, there was not much Internet action.

By going to all but one of MAK's events and attending his bus conversion school (1999), I learned a ton. Obviously, I continue to learn with the boards, but in the early years, it was mostly MAK and the great books (and seminars) by Galey and Meyers

I am sorry that there is not a rally this year. Hopefully MAK will rest up and hold one next year.